Nissan Qashqai engines & performance

Nissan’s electrified range of engines is a clear example of bridging the gap between conventional ICE engines and electric powertrains.

If there wasn’t the occasional thrum of the e-Power Hybrid’s three-cylinder petrol engine coming from the front end under load, the Qashqai could easily be mistaken for having a pure-electric system much of the time. 

Adaptive cruise control can easily frustrate as it doesn’t anticipate like a good driver would, but the Nissan’s is well calibrated and cleverly handles changing speed limits.

Illya Verpraet

Road Tester

The e-Power accelerated in a smooth and brisk manner than is befitting of a family crossover. And because the electric motors do most of the driving, you get strong regenerative braking too – although it's rather aggressive when you turn e-Pedal mode on. 

The engine is quiet at cruising speeds, but makes itself known when with more abrupt throttle inputs. It has a tendency to spin up rather ferociously which means that under load, the revs seem to soar and then linger at the top end of the range for no particular reason. 

Overall, though, the e-Power set-up feels like the best resolved and least compromised powertrain you can have in the Qashqai. 

All other variants of Qashqai are let down by a choice of disappointing gearboxes. The six-speed manual feels spongy, with a high bite point. 

To make matters worse, engine revs drop very slowly when the clutch is disengaged, which makes it more difficult than it needs to be to change gear quickly and smoothly. The action of the gearchange could be better defined, too. It’s light, with a mildly notchy but longish throw.